Nov 21, 2006 11:03 pm US/Central
Rev. Jesse Jackson Reacts To Comic's Racist Rant
Civil Rights Leaders In Chicago Upset Over Michael Richards' Remarks
by Suzanne Le Mignot
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Comedian Michael Richards played the popular character of Kramer on "Seinfeld."
CBS
There was more fallout Tuesday night from comedian Michael Richards' racist remarks. CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports Chicago's civil rights leaders are speaking out.
"I'm really busted up over this and I'm very, very sorry," Richards said Monday night on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
Michael Richards, best known as Kramer on "Seinfeld," says he is sorry for his racist rant at a Hollywood comedy club. His words were directed at two black hecklers. During his tirade, Richards referenced a time when African Americans were lynched. He also used the
"n-word" repeatedly.
"He needs more than racial sensitivity and more than therapy training. Why is he so angry with blacks?" said the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Rev. Jackson said the laughter from the Letterman audience, was also very telling.
"It's still a joke to them. He's not yet talked to the offended people," said Rev. Jackson.
Chicago Urban League President and CEO Cheryle Jackson said she was taken aback when Richards this:
"I think it's important for the Afro-American community to make sure this kind of crap uh, doesn't uh, come about."
Jackson says the fact Richards said "Afro-Americans," shows he's out of touch, when it comes to race. She says America can use the incident as a learning experience.
"There's still a lot of work out there to be done. We've got to as a nation as a community, bind together and help to right some of these wrongs," she said.
Meantime, Rev. Jackson says he's been talking to members of Congress about making the use of hate language prohibited in mass media.
Rev. Jackson said he believes hate speech not only leads to violence, but it divides society.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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